FORT WALKER, Va. –
Leaders from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) celebrated a new partnership with Fort Walker officials on Aug. 1, through the signing of an Intergovernmental Support Agreement that protects natural resources and habitats on the installation.
Lt. Col. Matthew S. Bauer, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Walker garrison commander, and Virginia DCR director Matthew Wells signed the document, officially solidifying the 10-year agreement which will provide much-needed manpower service to the installation.
“I am incredibly excited for this partnership,” said Bauer. “This agreement builds on our pre-existing relationship and is mutually beneficial to both organizations. For the Garrison, this agreement provides significant cost savings and allows us to leverage the most knowledgeable subject matter experts in the state to protect our natural resources.”
This support will come in the form of expert field biologists to augment the base’s small workforce, who are responsible for monitoring more than 76,000 acres of biodiverse landscape. These additional personnel will ensure Fort Walker’s military mission coexists with the installation’s natural resource management and conservation program in the most harmonious way.
“This agreement, which improves efficiencies between different levels of government, formalizes a partnership that goes back three decades,” said Wells. “The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is excited that the U.S. Army will be able to continue to rely on our agency experts to assist in stewarding the important natural resources found on the base.”
The installation has been a haven for the swamp pink (Helonias bullata), a wetland-dependent lily currently listed as threatened. In addition to swamp pink, other rare plants at Fort Walker include small-whorled pogonia (Isotria medeoloides), Sandhills bog lily (Lilium pyrophilum) and New Jersey rush (Juncus caesariensis).
“A stronghold for several of Virginia’s natural heritage resources is Fort Walker, and this is because of the base’s commitment to balancing their active training with the habitat management needs of rare species and unique natural communities,” said Jason Bulluck, Director of the Virginia Natural Heritage Program. “This fact is especially fun and rewarding to share, as it always educates and amazes whomever is listening. Our partnership, nearly 35 years strong, will now benefit from greater streamlining and efficiency, as we pursue our unique missions and common conservation goals.”
Established in 1941, Fort Walker is the Joint Force's premier all-purpose, year-round, training destination. Encompassing nearly 76,000 acres of diverse terrain, including a 27,000-acre live fire complex, Fort Walker is uniquely postured to meet training and range qualification requirements for full spectrum operations. Our professional staff prides itself on delivering quality service and stands ready to assist in your mission planning and execution. Fort Walker provides the best training and support... anywhere!